Backyards & Bonfires Brightens Gray Tuesday
On Tuesday March 5th we hosted Eric and Erica (siblings, not twins!) from Backyards and Bonfires. While we were getting dinner ready, some of our veterans made use of the pool tables in the YMCA’s Youth/Senior Center. A crowd gathered and an impromptu lesson broke out. Several of our veterans had never played before and they got a quick lesson in the basics while George ran the table.
After the pool games had ended, our Director of Development Tamara gathered the group together and went over some upcoming events for Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support. After a quick blessing, the food lines were open! In honor of our guests, we had burgers, hot dogs, and lots of barbeque fixins. We even had homemade s’mores bars to complete the bonfire theme!
After everyone had a chance to enjoy their dinner and conversation, Erica ‘took the stage’ and introduced everyone to Backyards and Bonfires. She spoke of her passion for First Responders, as well as her determination and eventual success at becoming a police officer herself. The desire to give back to those in the veteran and first responder community in our local area is the true desire of her heart. Each year, Backyards & Bonfires hosts a First Responders and Military Appreciation Day. It’s a day full of games, fun activities, dinner, a concert, and a bonfire to end the night. This event started when she answered a social media plea from a Nashville recording artist Brother Joe who was looking to film a video with a backyard bonfire vibe. The event grew from there!
They are now on their fourth year hosting the event, held the 3rd Saturday in July, and every year they have selected a first responder for the event’s proceeds to benefit. This year’s recipient is Cody Cecil, a police officer from Clayton, OH who was shot while serving a warrant. They will have delicious food, local bands, a vendor show, and everything you need to have a great evening. More information about their event can be found on their website, www.backyardsandbonfires.org, or by clicking here.
We are honored to have hosted them at our Muster & Mingle and we are looking forward to a great summer evening with them this year! Please be sure to check out our Upcoming Events page to see where you can find us as we kick off the warm weather months.